Japan coach Masashi Nambu says their home game helped in their focus for their match against Czech Republic on Saturday at the FIVB Volleyball World League
Okayama, Japan, May 29, 2015 - Japan are ready for the visiting Czech Republic team in Okayama on Saturday in the FIVB Volleyball World League play, with their coach Masashi Nambu eager to get off on the right foot at home.
"Our training camp started on May 11, so that is not really enough time to prepare, but I feel we are OK to play tomorrow," coach Nambu said. "Last season, we started World League play overseas in Germany. It's good that we can start this time in Japan, so we are very focused on our match tomorrow."
His counterpart from the Czech team, coach Zdenek Smejkal says that their flight was long, but feels that after some sleep tonight, his team should be in better condition and ready to play tomorrow. Smejkal also spoke about the friendly match the two teams played last year.
"They fight to the last, and they played a great combination game," coach Smejkal said. "They put forth a standard, consistent performance in all the matches we played."
Japan coach Nambu remarked that his side would need to be wary of Czech setter Filip Habr.
“Their setter, number 8, is big and he can block very well," coach Nambu said. "He’s perhaps the most impressive player because of his size and strength. During the friendly match last August, their serving was very strong as well and our reception was struggling as a result. So that’s a concern. We also need to be mindful of losing points on unforced errors."